Map of Tartary [i.e. Mongolia] to the north of China controlled by marauding Mongols in the 13th-14th centuries. The map shows its provinces and cities stretching north from the Himalayas, west to eastern Europe and north of Chinae Regni Pars [i.e. China] and Corea Isle [i.e. Korea]. One feature is the Great Wall of China along the Chinese border on the lower right side of the map. There are many decorative features including along the top of the map pictorial scenes of the cities of Astrakhan, Samarkand and Cambalu, as well as an illustration of a "house in Nova Zemla". Left and right borders include eight colourful illustrations of ethnic costumes from some of the peoples of Tartary. Relief is shown pictorially.

Speed speculates about the coastline north of the Arctic Circle, which he clearly marks, and is aware of the discoveries of Dutch explorer Willem Barents at the end of the 16th century. He is also aware of the existence of the Bering Strait, which he calls 'The Straits of Anian', separating Asia and America.

Cartouche title.

Imprint on map: ... And are to be sold by Tho. Bassett in Fleet Street & Richard Chiswell in St. Pauls Churchyard.

English text on verso entitled: The description of the kingdom of Tartary, p. 39-40 (signature: V)

Text at top centre of map reviewing the discovery of Nova Zembla [i.e. the archipelago Novaya Zemlya] by the Dutch explorer William Hollander in 1594-96.

Map folio 39 from: The theatre of the Empire of Great Britaine ... as also a prospect of the most famous parts of the world / John Speed. London : Thomas Bassett & Richard Chiswell, 1676.

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